Hi Strumelia!  No, the Epinette is Sapele too but I managed to get a nice finish on it.  Now trying to remember exactly what the finish was (French Polish, Button Polish...?).  Just have to replace the temporary nut and bridge with bone ones, string it, tune it and it will hopefully be done.  I have two more kanteles under construction at the moment then I need to make a teardrop MD to replace the home made one I sold.  All good fun!

These are great, post more!  Is that epinette all walnut?

Three of my instruments at a craft show.  Two kanteles and an unfinished Epinette des Vosges.